Chapter 44
Collins
This had to be the best feeling in the world—waking up with the woman I loved still tucked perfectly into my arms, her breathing slow and peaceful against my chest. For a moment, I just watched her.
I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “Good morning, Sleeping Beauty.”
She stirred, blinking slowly before her eyes met mine. “Good morning, Prince Charming,” she murmured, stretching slightly. The way she said it made my chest warm.
I helped her sit up, arranging the pillows behind her so she’d be comfortable.
She studied me quietly for a moment, then asked, “How do you do it?”
“Do what?” I asked, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.
“Care for someone who may or may not walk again…and still do it with a smile. Even though I’m not your patient anymore.”
I shrugged lightly. “Perks of marrying a doctor. We’re caretakers by nature. That’s why we chose this life.”
She frowned a little. “But doctors don’t usually care like this. The physical side is usually handled by nurses or therapists.”
“That doesn’t make us any less caring,” I said gently.
“I know,” she replied softly. “But you never had to do all this before—lifting, helping, waiting, adjusting your whole life. You could’ve chosen someone…easier.”
I smiled and leaned closer. “Never question a man’s love,” I said teasingly, brushing a gentle kiss against her lips. “Love doesn’t look for easy. It looks for right.”
Her eyes softened.
“And you’re right for me,” I added quietly.
She laughed softly. “So what now, Doctor?”
“Now,” I said, standing and reaching out to her, “we go downstairs before I forget how to behave and keep you in bed all morning.”
She raised an eyebrow playfully. “I wouldn’t complain.”
I leaned in close, resting my forehead against hers. “Don’t tempt me,” I whispered with a grin. Then I kissed her one last time, slow and sweet.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Mom was already seated at the breakfast table when we came downstairs.
I rolled Anna to the opposite side of the table, then pulled out the chair beside her and sat down close enough that our knees brushed.
“Good morning, Mrs. Collins,” Anna said warmly.
“Lana,” my mom corrected, smiling. “If you’re going to marry my son, you don’t get to call me ‘Mrs.’ anymore.”
Anna laughed softly. “Then good morning, Lana.”
A notification chimed on my phone just as I reached for my glass of juice. Anna’s eyes flicked to the screen.
“Sign language?” she asked, curious.
I leaned closer so she could see. “Yeah. It’s an online course I started.”
Her brows drew together slightly. “Why?”
I shrugged lightly. “If I’m going to marry Nancy’s sister, I should be able to talk to her properly, don’t you think?”
She tilted her head. “But she can hear everything we say.”
“True,” I said. “But I should also be able to understand her when she answers in her own way.”
Her expression softened, and she smiled. “You have a point.”
Across the table, my mom watched us with quiet amusement, her eyes warm.
“Alright,” I said, rubbing my hands together. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.”
I looked over the spread—fresh fruit, eggs, toast, pastries, and dishes that looked far too fancy for a normal morning. Then I glanced at Mom. “This doesn’t look like Zelda’s cooking.”
She lifted her chin proudly. “Nope. I gave her the morning off. Thought I’d show you I still know my way around a kitchen.”
“It looks divine,” Anna said honestly.
Mom beamed. “See? At least someone appreciates my talents.”
I laughed, reached for Anna’s hand under the table, and thought—this is what happiness looks like.
“Mmm, this is delicious,” Anna said, taking a small bite of the flaky pastry in her hand. Her eyes lit up. “Is this what you grew up eating at your mom’s house? If I were you, I’d never have moved out.”
My mom laughed softly. “And what about your mom, dear? Does she cook like this too?”
Anna’s smile faded just a little. “My mom passed away when I was seventeen,” she said. “My dad never remarried. He just stayed single and raised us.”
“I’m so sorry,” my mom said, her voice warm with sympathy.
The mood softened for a moment, but Mom quickly lifted her chin, shifting the conversation. “So… when is the big day?”
I looked at Anna, my chest tightening with excitement. “I was thinking…maybe within the next month. What do you think?”
Anna’s eyes widened, surprise evident. “So soon?”
I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “If I could marry you tomorrow, I would.”
Her cheeks warmed, and she looked away, smiling shyly.
“I’ve never seen my son this happy,” Mom blurted, unable to hide the grin spreading across her face.
Anna lifted her gaze again, her voice soft but certain. “Okay… within a month.”
I exhaled, relief flooding me. “Good. Then it’s settled.”
Zelda came in quietly to clear the table, and the room was calm. For a few moments, it felt like nothing could touch our little bubble of happiness—until the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” I said, standing up.
When I opened the door, my stomach dropped.
Michael stood there, his jaw tight, his eyes hard.
“Where is my wife?” he demanded, not even bothering with a greeting.
“Ex-wife,” I corrected calmly.
He scoffed and pushed past me like he owned the place. “So that’s why you think you can take advantage of her.” His gaze locked onto the dining area where Anna sat with my mom. He walked straight toward her. “I’m Michael,” he said briskly to my mother. “I just need a word with my wife.”
“Ex-wife,” Anna corrected coolly.
My mom stood up and quietly excused herself, but I stayed right where I was.
“Anna,” Michael said, crouching in front of her. “Why did you move in with him?”
She lifted her chin. “In case you haven’t noticed, I moved on. And I’m in love with him.”
“You don’t love him,” Michael snapped. “You’re attached. And he’s taking advantage of that.”
I clenched my fists but stayed silent.
“What do you know?” Anna asked.
“I know because I love you,” he said.
“But your love is conditional,” she replied calmly.
“Then let’s get married,” he blurted. “I was wrong to wait for you to walk. I don’t care anymore. Let’s just get married. Now. Today if you want.”
My heart dropped. I didn’t look at her. I didn’t step forward. I refused to be the weight on the scale.
Anna’s hand tightened. Then she said firmly. “You should leave. There is no ‘us’ anymore.”
He reached for her hand. “Are you really going to forget everything we had?”
“I said I don’t want to talk about it.”
He straightened slowly. “Fine. If that’s what you want…” Then he turned to me, pointing. “You haven’t heard the last of this. I’ll see you in court. And I’ll make sure you lose your license!”